If angle of attack increases toward CL Max, what happens to lift?

If angle of attack increases toward CL Max, what happens to lift?

• A. Lift increases
• B. Lift decreases
• C. Lift remains constant
• D. Lift fluctuates

Answer: (A)

Lift grows as the angle of attack increases, because the lift coefficient rises with increasing AoA in the normal operating range. Since lift is L = 1/2 ρ V^2 S CL, a higher CL means more lift for the same airspeed and wing area. This continues up to the point of maximum lift (before stall); near that point the airflow is still providing stronger circulation and more lift, though the slope is getting smaller. Once stall occurs, lift would fall. So, as angle of attack increases toward the maximum lift coefficient, lift increases.

Lift grows as the angle of attack increases, because the lift coefficient rises with increasing AoA in the normal operating range. Since lift is L = 1/2 ρ V^2 S CL, a higher CL means more lift for the same airspeed and wing area. This continues up to the point of maximum lift (before stall); near that point the airflow is still providing stronger circulation and more lift, though the slope is getting smaller. Once stall occurs, lift would fall. So, as angle of attack increases toward the maximum lift coefficient, lift increases.